Teach_Yourself_Photoshop_Elements_2

COMMON PHOTO PROBLEMS SOLVED

F

or more exciting skies in landscape images, you

can fit a graduated neutral density (ND) filter over

the camera’s lens. This makes a dull sky look more

dramatic as it becomes gradually darker towards

the top of the frame. These camera-mounted filters can be

effective, but you’re stuck with the look that they produce.

If the filter-produced gradient is in the wrong place then

there’s not much you can do to alter it. By replicating the

graduated ND effect in Photoshop Elements, you can

darken the sky’s tones with complete control.

We’ll show you how to edit the mask of a Levels

adjustment layer with the Gradient tool so that the darker

tones get lighter towards the horizon. By editing a mask

you can alter the strength and location of the gradated

tonal adjustment with ease. We’ll also show you how to use

adjustment layers to selectively boost the colours.

Enhance dull skies ......................................................................

Mimic the gradated colours and tones produced by lens-

mounted filters using layer masks and the Gradient tool

4

Fine-tune the look

You can re-draw the gradient on the mask until you’re

happy with the result. As a finishing touch choose

Image>Adjustment>Hue/Saturation. Set the Channel drop-

down menu to Cyans. Boost the Saturation to +30 for more

vibrant colours at the top of the frame.

3

Draw a gradient

Click the adjustment layer’s mask, click at the top of

the image and draw a line down to the horizon. Hold

down Shift as you draw to make sure the gradient is

straight. This draws a white-to-black linear gradient on the

mask. The sky now darkens towards the top of the frame.

2

Set up the Gradient tool

Choose the Gradient tool from the Toolbox. Press D,

go to the Tool Options, and click the Gradient Editor.

In the Gradient Editor dialog, click the Foreground to

Background preset. Click OK. Click the Linear Gradient option

so the tool will draw a gradated white-to-black gradient.

1

Add a Levels adjustment layer

Open ty_elements20.jpg. Go to Layer>New Adjustment

Layer>Levels. Click OK. The sky consists mostly of

midtones, so drag the grey slider right to a value of 0.47 to

darken the sky and create more intense and dramatic colours.

Next we need to restrict which areas are being altered.

GET THE START FILES HERE: http://bit.ly/type-files